Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems

Civilization: Mesoamericans

Name: Sam Waldman


Theme
How does this theme apply to your civilization?
Agricultural and pastoral production
  • early Mesoamericans cultivated beans, chili peppers, avocados,squashes, and gourds (Olmecs 8000-7000 bc)
  • by 4000 bc they discovered the potential fro maize and tomatoes
  • abundant rainfall help provide good agriculture
  • turkeys and small, barkless dogs were domesticated and eaten
  • fertile soil and good weather conditions allowed for good agricultural production of cacao, cotton, and maize (Mayan)
Trade and Commerce
  • human porters carried trade goods on their backs
  • Olmec traded for jade and obsidian to create tools and decorative objects for their homes
  • Teotihuacans participated in mass trade networks
Labor Systems
  • laborers prepared fields for cultivation architects and sculptors created and oversaw the construction of monuments and buildings and artisans specialized in the production of pottery, tools, and textiles
  • peasants and slaves provided physical labor and fed the entire society
Industrialization
  • drainage systems were created to prevent flooding
  • ceremonial centers and monuments were being made
  • following a disappearance of the Olmec was the Mayan civilization
  • large economic and poltical cities were built
  • Teotihuacan was a major city that became its own civilization with a population of over 200,000 people
Capitalism and socialism
  • Hereditary nobility owned most of the land and was one of the top ruling classes
  • architect and sculptor professionals are under the nobilities
  • peasants and slaves sit at the very bottom of the social class
  • the social class for Teotihuacans was rulers and priests (top), cutivators, artisans, and, at the bottom, merchants
  • since Teotihuacans did not have a military system, they suffered from military pressure from other civilizations